Thinking about buying a house? These days, people can use all the help they can get in figuring out how to afford the blistering prices being asked for the most modest of dwellings.

If your budget can stretch by another £1.75, it might be worth picking up a copy of Home Guide of Ireland, sponsored by Irish Permanent but not overly slanted in its favour to get an overall picture of what is involved in buying a house.

The guide takes a practical approach to finding and/or building a suitable home, securing the right mortgage, dealing with auctioneers, surveyors, architects and solicitors. It also provides advice on home repairs and decorating. The guide is available from all Eason bookshops and newsagents.